Associate Director, Prospect Research

Associate Director, Advancement Research & Prospect Management

Wright State University is an equal opportunity employer.

• Faculty Rank or
  
  Job Title:
  
  Associate Director, Advancement Research & Prospect Management
• Job Category:
  Administrative (exempt/non-exempt)
• Department:
  University Development
• EEO number: 26P275
• Position FTE: 100%
• Minimum Annual Salary: $60,000
• Salary Band: UC S05

The Associate Director of Prospect Research is responsible for researching, discovering and qualifying potential major and leadership gift prospects to support the University’s fundraising priorities. This position manages prospect research projects, prepares actionable donor intelligence, provides data modeling and predictive forecasting, and partners with advancement staff to ensure a healthy, evolving donor pipeline. Reporting to the Director of Advancement Research & Prospect Management, the Associate Director supervises student researchers and collaborates closely with both the Advancement Records Specialist to ensure a robust database, and with the Manager of Advancement Analytics to integrate qualitative research with quantitative data in order to inform donor engagement strategy and fundraising decisions.

• Bachelor’s Degree.
• At least four years of prospect research experience in a non‑profit setting (preferably academic), or a combination of research and fundraising experience involving regular collaboration with a prospect research team on projects; a minimum of six years experience in library, market research or related field may be considered.
• Familiarity with CRMs (e.g. Ellucian’s Banner, Salesforce, Blackbaud, etc.), data visualization platforms, wealth screening services and research tools.
• Familiarity with data querying, mining, and reporting.
• Excellent quantitative analysis skills, attention to detail and the ability to think strategically.
• Ability to use technology to gather, interpret, organize and present data.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office software (particularly Excel) and the products commonly used in fund‑raising research (such as Lexis‑Nexis).
• Familiarity with implementing proactive prospecting methodologies, understanding wealth indicators, and calculating donor gift capacity.
• General knowledge of fundraising culture and fundraising terms, including donor types, prospect stages and gift vehicles.
• Must be able to work independently with very little supervision & exercise independent judgment and initiative, often under strict deadlines.
• Demonstrated project and time management skills.
• Demonstrated record of initiative, team collaboration, complex problem solving, and adaptability.
• Excellent written and interpersonal skills, with experience facilitating meetings, leading project teams, giving presentations, training colleagues, and forming productive partnerships with internal and external constituencies.
• High motivation and creativity.
• Commitment to professional ethics, donor confidentiality and customer service.

• Bachelor’s degree in Data Analytics, Library Science, Marketing, Statistics, Journalism or related field.
• Proficiency in implementing proactive prospecting methodologies, understanding wealth indicators, and calculating donor gift capacity.
• Major fund‑raising campaign experience.
• Familiarity with the Banner database system and querying & reporting using Cognos; or proficiency with data querying, mining, and reporting.
• Knowledge of Wright State’s mission and programs, and familiarity with Dayton‑area businesses, VIPs, and philanthropic community.
• Supervisory experience.

• Conduct in-depth research on individuals, corporations, and foundations to evaluate giving capacity, philanthropic interests, and potential alignment with university priorities.
• Prepare detailed prospect profiles, briefing materials, and biographical notes for gift officers and university leadership to capture biographic, wealth and philanthropic interest information, focusing on the needs of each college. Ensure all information is updated in a timely and efficient manner in the…